Dictionary of islamic architecture

See also:
Qasr al-Hayr East, Syria, Umayyads
Further reading:
D.Schlumberger (ed.), 
Qasr el-Heir el Gharbi,
Paris 1986.
Qasr al-Tuba
Unfinished Umayyad complex in south-east Jordan.
Qasr al-Tuba is a large rectangular enclosure divided
into three strips; only the west wing appears to have
been completed, although there are traces of mud-
brick structures elsewhere in the complex. Like
Mshatta the remaining parts of the building are made
of ashlar masonry with baked brick used for the
barrel-vaulted roofs. There is a dam and several wells
Qasr al-Tuba, Jordan
Stone and brick construction, Qasr al-Tuba, Jordan
Slightly pointed doorway arches, Qasr al-Tuba, Jordan
Qasr al-Tuba

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associated with the qasr but no other structures have
been identified. The purpose of the building is not
clear but it may have been connected with the Wadi
Sirhan caravan route.
Qatar
A peninsula on the east coast of Arabia projecting
northwards into the Gulf.
Although it used to be dependent on pearl diving
and fishing, today the main economy of the State of
Qatar is oil. The country is predominantly desert
with few natural water resources. It is ruled by the
Amir of Qatar from the capital Doha.
Until recently permanent architecture has been
confined to one or two towns and several semi-
permanent encampments. Archaeological
excavations at Ras Abrak has revealed the presence
of several semi-permanent seasonal encampments.
One of these has been interpreted as a fish-curing
complex and consisted of two roughly rectangular
rooms linked by a sheltered courtyard containing
fireplaces and a cairn. The entire complex was built
out of thin limestone slabs laid without mortar
although there may have been a superstructure built
out of some less durable material.
On the northern tip of the country are the remains
of a small town, al-Huwailah. At present the site is
largely in ruins but the main features can be
distinguished, including a fort surrounded by several
stone houses. Around this central complex are the
remains of further structures which were probably
huts built of palm fronds and were the main form of
accommodation in the town.
Recent development has meant that little survives
of the traditional town of Doha with the exception of
the Old Amiri Palace which has recently been restored
and is now used as a museum. This is a large complex
containing quarters for several families. There are
three gatehouses and two public reception rooms (an
inner and outer majlis). The main material for
construction is coral blocks (both in the form of lumps
and thin slabs) used in conjunction with mangrove
poles in a panel-and-frame construction. For
ornamental purposes carved teak and mahogany from
India were used.